Association analysis in chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

The present study was carried out in a set of germplasm accessions for yield related traits in Chia. Results of the correlation coefficient revealed a highly signifcant and positive Effect of the number of primary branches, harvest index and oil content on seed yield per plant on both genotypic and phenotypic levels, while plant height had a positive signifcant correlation with seed yield only at the genotypic level. Through analysis of path coefficients, the positive and signifcant direct Effect of harvest index on genotypic as well as phenotypic levels was inferred, whilst days to 50% fowering and plant height illustrated positive direct efects on seed yield per plant only at the genotypic level. Moderate direct and positive efects of days to maturity at the genotypic level along with the number of primary branches at the phenotypic level were observed on seed yield per plant. The study revealed that harvesting index, days to 50% fowering and fruiting branches could be used as selection criteria traits, which will be very useful in future breeding programmes to enhance yield in Chia.